Don't let the title fool you. Because if there's one thing we're not, it's braggers. No sir, that's not for us. You won't catch us on the chairlifts yapping about how great we are. About our high school glory days and our Strava kudos and that one award we won two years ago. Those two awards. Those two damn product design awards. From a really prestigious international competition. And? Grow up.
Make no mistake, that's definitely not what we're doing here. Sure, our Diversion Merino Wind Jacket and Diversion Merino Trail Pants won the ISPO 2024 awards. So what? We don't care. Screw the awards. We can't even remember where we put those shiny trophies. Oh, they're centre-framed on mum's fireplace? Hadn't noticed.
But really, please don't make us talk about it again.
What is the Diversion Range?
Alright you crazy animals, we crack. The Diversion range is our highly technical, performance-driven bike collection. It includes the Diversion wind jacket, long- and short-sleeved bike jerseys, bike pants, bike shorts, and a wind vest. It was designed, built, and extensively tested with real athletes in two of the world's best riding destinations: Wānaka, NZ, and Squamish, BC. It's not your average Merino cycling jersey. Not that we care.
"It started with wanting to reinvigorate our bike line with a real focus on Merino wool and performance," says Anna Mallinson, Head of Product Management at the time. "We'd become experts at Merino and wanted to take the Diversion Capsule to the next level with pieces that were super articulated and perfectly balanced."
Who Diversion is built for
You a mountain biker? A trail rider? A bike packer? You into a dirty climb, techy terrain, sketchy weather and variable conditions? Staying cool on hot laps in the sun, and also not freezing your knickers off when the wind hits your sweaty back on the way down? You into layers that pack light, resist odour, and slip into your bum bag when it's time to layer down? Then a) you sound cool, and b) the Diversion is built for you.
Because while most gear will get you round the block, mountain bike Merino thrives when sh*t gets crunchy. When the weather turns an hour from your car. And you're still climbing, and whatever you're wearing needs to keep up with the changing conditions. It's for long days in the bike park, where you don't want to lug your heavy jacket around from dawn to dust, but you also don't want to be so cold you can't think about your riding.
Diversion is built for you. It takes care of all the heavy thinking, so you can focus on your laps. Not your layers.
The Merino Shift & Wind Panel Fabric
The Diversion Merino Jacket features two key fabrics: Merino Shift that wicks sweat and keeps your temp in check, and 100% Recycled Pertex® Quantum panels that block wind, chill, and whatever else the trail dishes up. Mountain bike Merino, just the way you like it.
- Brings pretty ridiculous temperature regulation on the bike. Cool on the climb, warm on the down.
- Wicks moisture away from your body and releases it to the ether quicker than you can say sweaty mother f–
- Naturally odour resistant, thanks to the anti-microbial properties of Merino wool. Lap it longer, don't smell like a train full of teenage boys.
- Lightweight and breathable. It's light, it's airy, it's breezy. It's got you covered.
Recycled Pertex® Quantum Ripstop
- Wind resistance for when you're squealing downhill or the weather turns.
- Wind resistance without overheating, being key.
Why the Diversion Jacket and Pants won ISPO 2024
Oh, that again? We'd already forgotten. But now that we're here, I suppose, it's worth mentioning that this incredibly sexy range won the prestigious, international ISPO awards for innovative products and technology. But we're obviously really humble and lowkey about it, so we'll let the industry do the bragging on this one.
ISPO Diversion Merino Wind Jacket: "This jacket is the perfect companion for eco-conscious adventurers who demand performance and sustainability. Designed primarily for cycling but versatile enough for all outdoor pursuits, this jacket combines innovative wind protection with the natural benefits of Merino wool. Whether you're cycling through mountain trails or exploring the great outdoors, the Diversion Jacket offers comfort, protection and style all in one sleek package.
Designed with the perfect blend of form and function, a Merino wool blend provides natural warmth next to the skin and wicks away moisture. The jacket features Pertex® Quantum Wind panels strategically placed to block wind where it's needed most, keeping riders warm without overheating. The articulated fit, underarm gussets and shoulder construction ensure freedom of movement and prevent riding up. An adjustable hood fits snugly under helmets, while the hood's centre-back adjustment ensures unobstructed peripheral vision for safety and comfort."
ISPO Diversion Trail Pants: "The Diversion Trail Pant combines performance with comfort and is designed for trail enthusiasts. Made from a Merino nylon blend, this pant balances durability with Merino's natural temperature regulation and moisture management. Cycling enthusiasts who demand performance, comfort and durability on every ride will love the new Mons Royale Diversion Trail Pants. Built with a blend of innovative materials and smart design, they're perfect for tackling mountain trails, gravel paths or road rides. Whether you are navigating rugged terrain or enjoying casual outdoor adventures, these trousers offer a seamless blend of functionality and style."
How it compares to synthetic alternatives
Very well, thanks for asking. In fact, it's barely a competition when it comes to Merino vs synthetics on the trail. Not a close one, anyway.
When you're mountain biking, Merino and synthetics both have the ability to keep you cool when your ride heats up. And that's about all they have in common. From there, when you're sitting on the ridgeline soaking up the views, when your heart rate dips back to normal or a wind picks up, Merino switches gears to regulate your temperature and keep you warm when the conditions shift. Synthetics, by that point, are already drenched and sticking to your back, making for a little something we like to call an ice pack when the wind hits the ridge.
Oh, and the secret, underrated marker? Synthetics stink. And not in a broadly speaking way, but in a very physical, very tangible way. They smell like a locker room. Merino, au contraire, is naturally anti-microbial, resisting odour and keeping you smelling like a peach for far longer than synthetics could. So you can wear it, lap it, wear it again.
Alright alright, you've squeezed it out of us! Now stop twisting our arm with your wily ways and go buy the Diversion range. It's good, it looks hot, it's won awards, and it'll make you look like you know what you're doing far quicker than actually learning yourself.
